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enMeet Giovanni Simeone: Genoa's Juventus-slaying striker who wants to join his dad at Atletico MadridAdam Digby provides the lowdown on an emerging Argentine talent with a famous fatherAdam Digbyhttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/meet-giovanni-simeone-genoas-juventus-slaying-striker-who-wants-join-his-dad-atletico
The 60-second story
'EMOCIONANTE'. Diego Simeone tweeted just one word – Spanish for “exciting” – all in capital letters, alongside two pictures of men celebrating goals against Juventus. The first was from April 2000 and showed himself racing away at the Stadio delle Alpi, his header having given Lazio a vital three points against the Bianconeri on the way to the Serie A title.
Below was a picture showing his son Giovanni in an almost identical pose, the youngster's own strike having put Genoa ahead against the reigning champions earlier that day. The youngster rifled home a low shot at the second attempt, showing great composure after Gigi Buffon had denied his first effort with a superb save.
Unlike his father, however, the 21-year-old is a striker rather than a tenacious midfielder. So just 10 minutes after opening the scoring he took another chance, this time glancing home a header at the near post in clinical fashion. As much as Diego clearly enjoyed watching his son make a decisive contribution in such a high-profile fixture, the Atletico Madrid boss would also have admired Genoa’s overall performance, which featured relentless pressing and swift counter-attacks.
EMOCIONANTE pic.twitter.com/7Jcz3WW9ar
— Diego Pablo Simeone (@Simeone) November 27, 2016
"I'm happy he’s in Italy," Diego told LaGazzetta dello Sport shortly after Giovanni moved to Genoa in the summer. "He can learn and improve there. It's not easy, but he has the necessary qualities… and good blood in his veins!”
Why you need to know him
The 21-year-old had already made quite an impression having risen through the youth ranks at River Plate and shining during a loan spell at Banfield, where he scored 12 goals in 29 appearances. In 2015 he was also the South American Youth Championship's top scorer with nine net-ripplers which helped Argentina claim the title.
Together those exploits prompted Genoa to hand over €3 million over a year later, in the hope that the forward could provide cover for star man Leonardo Pavoletti as the campaign progressed. Simeone scored twice in some brief early outings, which convinced manager Ivan Juric to field him in place of Pavoletti when the latter was struck down by injury.
The Grifoneboss hasbeen rewarded with some excellent displays, the best of which came against Serie A champions Juventus. His secret appears to be genetic. "His father was a tough guy and I took several elbows off him," former Italy international Alessandro Costacurta remarked on Sky Italia this week. "And I can see that Giovanni is clearly Diego's son by his character."
Strengths
Simeone's most notable asset is his speed –an essential trait in Juric’s system. The striker has shown both excellent acceleration and timing despite his limited opportunities, while also demonstrating a clinical edge in front of goal –he's scored five times and hit the target with an impressive 62 per cent of his attempts so far.
Unsurprisingly, he also has a solid work ethic and a diligent approach whenever his side lose the ball, averaging one tackle and 0.4 interceptions per game despite being deployed exclusively as a central striker.
Weaknesses
While he looks like a solid all-round player, there are various aspects of Simeone’s game that still require work. The Genoa frontman possesses sound technique and skill, but he often finds himself trying to beat one more defender than is necessary, which explains his meagre 27 per cent take-on success rate.
The same is true of his distribution: Simeone averages just 9.3 passes per game, with a third of his efforts failing to find a team-mate. He has created just one scoring chance for his team-mates in 12 appearances to date, despite the fact that Genoa require him to bring others into play up front.
They said...
While a promising young striker and a long-retired midfielder would appear to have little in common, Giovanni has been forced to live with people measuring him against the standards Diego set during his playing days. "He has his father’s hunger and will to win," his team-mate Nicolas Burdisso said recently –but Genoa's coach Juric wants people to stop comparing the two men.
“Simeone is a good player in the area, but with a lot of room for improvement out of it. He runs a lot and we are happy with him,” Juric commented during a post-match interview last month. “However, I would prefer it if people talked more about him and not his father. I don’t think it is an easy comparison for the boy.”
Did you know?
Simeone is proud to represent Argentina at international level despite being born in Madrid and having spent much of his life in Europe, with the family relocating every time Diego swapped clubs. Less than two years after Giovanni's birth the Simeones moved to Milan, then Rome, before Diego's return to Atleti in 2003.
What happens next?
There has been remarkable interest in Simeone Jr. after his brace against Juve (and, quite likely, because of his surname). In recent days, Napoli have reportedly identified him as the man to ease their striking woes following the departure of Gonzalo Higuain and injury to Arkadiusz Milik.
A raft of Premier League clubs have also been mentioned, but the Grifone may instead choose to sell Pavoletti, creating space for Simeone to continue his impressive start at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. Given Juric’s ability to guide young players he could well benefit from an extended stay at the club, particularly as his development is still far from complete.
Simeone does, though, have his heart set on a return to his birthplace one day. "I would love to play for Atletico," he told Cadena Serthis week. "Not just because of how the club has treated my father but because of how they have treated our whole family. They are a great club, very humble."
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featureFri, 09 Dec 2016 12:30:26 +0000Greg Lea660686 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comVitoria upbeat despite Napoli defeatBenfica coach Rui Vitoria was disappointed to see his side lose at home to Napoli but pleased to reach the Champions League knockout stages.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/vitoria-upbeat-despite-napoli-defeat
Rui Vitoria admitted Benfica lost a little interest in their final Champions League group stage clash with Napoli after hearing Besiktas' collapse at Dynamo Kiev.
Goals from Jose Callejon and Dries Mertens sent Benfica to a 2-1 defeat in Lisbon on Tuesday, but both teams qualify for the last-16 after 10-man Besiktas were hammered 6-0 in Ukraine.
The Turkish side were four goals behind at half-time and a relaxed Benfica allowed Napoli to score twice after the break, with a Raul Jimenez goal their only consolation.
Vitoria was pleased to progress from a "rough group stage" despite a lack of quality from his side in the final third.
"Obviously we wanted to win tonight and we fought for that, but we were up against a good team and they were more efficient than us in the second half, which made the difference in the end," he said. "They converted their chances and we didn't.
"At half-time we obviously found out what was happening in the other match, so maybe my players were not as rigorous as they should have been in the second half. Still, we have to be happy with our group campaign: after losing to Napoli on matchday two we were last and we ended second.
"We are in the last 16 for the second year running, a first for the club. I have to congratulate my players."
news_articleTue, 06 Dec 2016 22:59:40 +0000Anonymous660195 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comNapoli have no fear - ReinaNapoli have no fear heading into the knockout stages of the Champions League after topping Group B, says goalkeeper Pepe Reina.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/napoli-have-no-fear-reina
Pepe Reina wants Napoli to face a Spanish side in the Champions League last 16 after they secured top spot in Group B with a 2-1 victory over Benfica on Tuesday.
Second-half goals from Jose Callejon and Dries Mertens ensured all three points for Maurizio Sarri's side and ensured a place in the knockout stages as group winners.
A draw would have been enough for Napoli but they were deserved victors in Lisbon, Mertens playing a starring role having come off the bench just before the hour.
Reina now wants a side from LaLiga in the next round, or a return to his former club Bayern Munich.
6 - Dries Mertens has had a hand in 6 of Napoli's last 8 #UCL goals (4 scored, 2 assisted). Key. #BenficaNapoli
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) December 6, 2016
"We're among the top 16 teams in Europe," Reina told Mediaset Premium.
"We had success because we stayed true to ourselves and played our style of football, so it was fully deserved.
"Being in the last 16 of the Champions League, any side you face is going to be very difficult. It’s scary to look at the names up there, but we have no fear really. We have respect for everyone.
"I'd like to take on a Spanish side, maybe Sevilla or Real Madrid. Bayern Munich are in my past too."
Head coach Sarri felt Napoli more than deserved top spot in the group.
"We were the team in the group that played the best football," he said. "First place was deserved.
"We wanted to win. We really wanted first place, it is an important milestone."
news_articleTue, 06 Dec 2016 22:38:06 +0000Anonymous660221 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comBenfica 1 Napoli 2: Super-sub Mertens seals top spotNapoli secured top spot in Group B as a second-half cameo from Dries Mertens produced a 2-1 Champions League victory over Benfica.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/benfica-1-napoli-2-super-sub-mertens-seals-top-spot
Super-sub Dries Mertens came off the bench to create one and score the second as Napoli ensured top spot in Group B with a 2-1 win over Benfica in the Champions League.
Having replaced the misfiring Manolo Gabbiadini on 57 minutes the Belgium international created Jose Callejon's opener with a deft flick before sealing the three points late on.
Napoli's winning margin could have been even wider had Gabbiadini - who has now failed to score in seven games in all competitions - and Callejon done better in the first half.
Callejon was not to be denied on the hour, though, as he finally showed some composure to score his first goal of this season's competition.
Substitute Mertens added the decisive second with 11 minutes to play with a low drive that was perfectly placed to beat the dive of Ederson.
Raul Jimenez grabbed a consolation for the hosts but Napoli were able to hold on to ensure they go into the last-16 draw as group winners, while Benfica also progress after 10-man Besiktas were hammered 6-0 by Dynamo Kiev
Napoli looked the more likely early on as they looked to attack at pace but it took until the 21st minute for them to create the first real opening.
Lorenzo Insigne fed Marek Hamsik 20 yards from goal, the Slovakian’s low shot was parried by Ederson into the path of Gabbiadini who headed home. However, the goal was ruled out as the striker was rightly flagged offside.
That let-off seemed to spark the hosts into life and a minute later Goncalo Guedes should have done better with a snapshot after Napoli twice failed to clear their lines.
It was a fleeting threat from Benfica, though, as Napoli finished the half stronger with Callejon and Gabbiadini both denied by Ederson before the break.
News of Besiktas' troubles in Kiev appeared to relax the hosts after the restart and Callejon should have punished them having been found by Insigne, but he snatched at his volley and skewed wide.
Just before the hour Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri opted to introduce Mertens in place of Gabbiadini and three minutes later the Belgian created the opening goal, Callejon racing onto his flick and lifting the ball over Ederson.
Spurred on by the goal Napoli continued to threaten and Insigne nearly executed a sublime chip from the edge of the penalty area in the 66th minute.
Pizzi then wasted a chance to test Pepe Reina with a long-range free-kick and Napoli made Benfica pay as Mertens wrapped things up.
The 29-year-old drifted past the challenge of Luisao before rifling a low shot past Ederson, the ball clipping the post on its way in.
Benfica halved the deficit late on as Jimenez pounced on a mistake by Raul Albiol and fired beyond Reina, but it was not enough to stop Napoli becoming the first Italian side to win in the Champions League on Portuguese soil since 1992-93.
news_articleTue, 06 Dec 2016 21:56:11 +0000Anonymous660141 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comSarri: Napoli in Lisbon to winMaurizio Sarri wants Napoli to claim all three points against Benfica and secure top spot in Champions League Group B on Tuesday.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/sarri-napoli-lisbon-win
Napoli may only need a draw to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages, but head coach Maurizio Sarri insists his team will be going for all three points against Benfica.
The Serie A side sit second behind their hosts heading in the final game in Group B on Tuesday, but would go through to the last-16 if they avoid defeat thanks to their 4-2 win over Benfica earlier in the competition.
Even a defeat would be enough for Sarri's side if Besiktas lose at Dynamo Kiev.
The 57-year-old has no intention of settling for just one point in Lisbon, though, despite Italian sides having not won in their last nine visits to Portugal in the Champions League.
"We want to qualify and we'll do everything to do it because we feel we deserve it," he told a pre-match media conference.
"If we think about a draw then we could ruin the game. In addition, if we're thinking about the other game then it'll be impossible to play a real match.
"We're not used to going for a draw.
"It's clear that the game could swing violently in the final phase. The first 60 or 70 minutes will be played with poise and technique, then at the end it's inevitable that one of us will have to take huge risks and be less focused on tactical aspects."
Sarri was non-committal when asked whether Manolo Gabbiadini will start in attack, but one player likely to start is captain Marek Hamsik and he is treating matchday six as a final.
"We're not here to defend," he said. "We're here to play our football as we did in the first game and as we do in every game.
"We're not thinking negatively, we believe we can do it [qualify] and we have the strength to do it. We can't look at others, we just have to play our own game and do what we can do.
"We know this is a final and everyone has to give his best, everyone must give the maximum. The strength is the group, you don't win alone.
"It's a real final, and we have to be prepared to meet them in an extraordinary way."
news_articleMon, 05 Dec 2016 23:14:09 +0000Anonymous659793 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comCan Arsenal break the Basel curse? The Champions League in Opta NumbersArsenal are looking to end a dismal run for English sides in Basel, while Sergio Aguero will want to improve a poor home record.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/can-arsenal-break-basel-curse-champions-league-opta-numbers
Arsenal need to better Paris Saint-Germain's result on matchday six in order to finish top of Champions League Group A, but they must be careful not to fall victim to English clubs' dreadful run away to Basel.
Manchester City are through as runners-up to Barcelona but their game with Celtic could be a good chance for Sergio Aguero to improve upon a poor run of form at the Etihad Stadium.
Atletico Madrid are looking to end Bayern Munich's record-breaking home form, while Napoli are out to set the record straight for Italian clubs in Portugal and Lionel Messi can build on a fearsome Camp Nou record.
Here are some of the best stats from the first set of games of the final round of the group stage, courtesy of Opta.
Paris Saint-Germain v Ludogorets:
27 - PSG have only failed to score in one of their last 27 games at Parc des Princes in European competition. It was against Real Madrid in October 2015 (0-0).
0 - Ludogorets have won none of their five Champions League away games (D1 L4), scoring only two goals and conceding 17.
Basel v Arsenal:
3 - Basel have won their last three Champions League home games against English clubs (Manchester United in November 2011, Chelsea in November 2013, Liverpool in October 2014). In fact, Basel have only lost two of their 11 Champions League encounters with English clubs (W4 D5).
40 - None of Basel's 25 home games in the Champions League has ended goalless. Meanwhile, none of Arsenal's last 40 away games in the Champions League has ended 0-0. Their last goalless draw was at Slavia Prague in November 2007.
Dynamo Kiev v Besiktas:
8 - Vincent Aboubakar has scored eight goals in his last 12 Champions League starts, including three in his last three. Besiktas, however, haven't scored a single goal in their four away games against Dynamo Kiev in all competitions.
1 - Trabzonspor are the only Turkish side to beat Dynamo Kiev on their own turf. It was in August 2004 in the Champions League qualifiers (2-1).
Benfica v Napoli:
9 - Italian clubs are winless in their last nine visits to Portugal in the Champions League (D7 L2). AC Milan were the last Italian team to win on Portuguese soil, back in the 1992-93 edition against Porto (1-0).
2 - Benfica have lost only two of their last 15 Champions League home games (W9 D4). They've also found the net in 13 of those matches.
Barcelona v Borussia Monchengladbach:
50 - Lionel Messi has scored 50 goals in 50 Champions League games at Camp Nou, including two hat-tricks this season. He has scored nine goals in four games in this season's Champions League, already more than he achieved in the whole of last season (six).
7 - Neymar's seven assists in this season's Champions League is a record in a group stage since Opta records began in 2003-04.
Manchester City v Celtic:
26 - Celtic have lost 26 of their 29 Champions League games away from home (W1 D2) and have never kept a clean sheet.
1 - Sergio Aguero has scored in only one of his last six Champions League games at the Etihad (a hat-trick v Borussia Monchengladbach).
Bayern Munich v Atletico Madrid:
14 - Bayern Munich have won their last 14 home Champions League games (52 goals scored, eight conceded), the longest winning run in the history of the competition. Real Madrid are the last team to have beaten them at the Allianz Arena, in April 2014 (0-4).
54 - Antoine Griezmann has been involved in Atletico’s last two goals against Bayern Munich, scoring the first and assisting the second. Since last season, the French striker has netted 10 and assisted three of Atletico's 24 goals in the competition (54 per cent).
PSV v Rostov:
43 - PSV haven't scored more than two goals in their last 43 Champions League games. The last time was in the 2005 semi-final second leg against AC Milan (3-1).
71 - A total of 71 per cent of Rostov's shots have been on target (blocked shots excluded), the highest ratio in this season's Champions League
news_articleMon, 05 Dec 2016 20:16:21 +0000Anonymous659766 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comSarri talks up Balotelli to NapoliNice star Mario Balotelli was a notable observer during Napoli's 3-0 win over Inter on Friday, praising the victors on Twitter.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/sarri-talks-balotelli-napoli
Napoli head coach Maurizio Sarri has opened the door for a move for Mario Balotelli, insisting the Italian forward would be a welcome addition at the Serie A club.
Nice star Balotelli was a notable observer during Napoli's 3-0 win over Inter on Friday, tweeting his praise for the victors on Twitter.
Balotelli - formerly of AC Milan and Inter during his time in Italy - was impressed with Piotr Zielinski's opening goal, before praising the entire team.
Napoli wow che gol
— Mario Balotelli (@FinallyMario) December 2, 2016
Ma i giocatori del napoli ? Maaaammaaaa mia
— Mario Balotelli (@FinallyMario) December 2, 2016
The 26-year-old Italy international's social media activity sparked speculation post-match and when asked about Balotelli's comments, Sarri told Sky Sport Italia: "It depends on him. It's very nice living in Nice, but then it's lovely in Naples too.
"Mario is a player with the right characteristics for any team. When he doesn't, it's his fault."
Balotelli has starred in his debut season in Ligue 1, scoring seven goals in nine appearances for Nice.
"I do not deal with the transfer market, but if he likes I can forward him [director of sport Cristiano] Giuntoli's number," Sarri added via Rai Sport.
news_articleSat, 03 Dec 2016 04:33:04 +0000Anonymous658653 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comPioli laments Inter's 'step backwards'After defeating Fiorentina last time out, Inter coach Stefano Pioli was angered to see his side take a step back against Napoli.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/pioli-laments-inters-step-backwards
Stefano Pioli lamented Inter's slow start as they suffered a 3-0 Serie A loss at Napoli on Friday.
Having produced an excellent display to defeat Fiorentina last time out, Inter were slow out of the blocks at Stadio San Paolo, falling 2-0 down inside six minutes as Piotr Zielinski and Marek Hamsik scored.
They never looked likely to get back into the match and now sit seven points behind their fifth-placed hosts, leaving Pioli to rue a poor showing that was compounded by Lorenzo Insigne's second-half goal.
"It is a step backwards compared to recent matches, as above all the initial approach made all the difference against a quality side like Napoli," he told Mediaset Premium.
"Conceding two goals at the San Paolo so early means it is difficult to get back into the game. We did have opportunities to score, but we failed to convert them.
"We need more care and determination in defence, so that will take time. Napoli have quality players and moved the ball well. I think Jose Callejon was perhaps offside on the first goal, but even then we should've covered Piotr Zielinski's run better.
"We are working on the tactical, physical and psychological levels. We lost our balance and took the wrong approach. I also saw positioning errors on the goals we conceded."
Inter return to Europa League action against Sparta Prague on Thursday, before welcoming Genoa to San Siro next weekend in the league.
news_articleFri, 02 Dec 2016 23:37:18 +0000Anonymous658592 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comNapoli 3 Inter 0: Pioli dealt emphatic first Serie A defeatInter coach Stefano Pioli saw his side beaten in the league for the first time since taking over in a 3-0 reverse at Napoli.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/napoli-3-inter-0-pioli-dealt-emphatic-first-serie-a-defeat
Stefano Pioli suffered his first Serie A defeat as Inter coach as they were put to the sword in a 3-0 loss at Napoli on Friday.
Tasked with overseeing a recovery following the end of Frank de Boer's brief and underwhelming stint at San Siro, former Lazio boss Pioli picked up his first victory in Inter's 4-2 triumph over Fiorentina on Monday.
But he and Inter were emphatically brought back down to earth at the Stadio San Paolo, as two goals in the opening five minutes effectively put the game beyond their reach.
Piotr Zielinski opened the scoring inside two minutes and then set up Napoli captain Marek Hamsik to double the hosts' advantage.
Napoli had been held to a 1-1 draw by Sassuolo last time out, but there was never any danger of an Inter comeback and Lorenzo Insigne's 51st-minute volley made sure of the points.
Samir Handanovic performed heroics in the Inter goal to limit Napoli's margin of victory as Maurizio Sarri's men moved up to fifth in the table, just a point behind second-placed Roma.
The deadlock was broken after 107 seconds when Jose Callejon nodded Hamsik's lofted ball across the box back to Zielinksi, whose first-time shot found the bottom-left corner.
Zielinksi then turned creator as Napoli quickly doubled their lead, Hamsik beating Handanovic at the near post with a precise low after being brilliantly played in by the Pole.
Napoli continued to dominate and pressed to try to put the game to bed early, Manolo Gabbiadini heading narrowly wide of the right-hand post from Insigne's left-wing cross.
Inter did finally manage to craft an opportunity and it unsurprisingly came through Mauro Icardi, who fired high and wide on the turn.
Possession was squandered by Napoli immediately from the resulting goal-kick, but Pepe Reina raced off his line to prevent Icardi from pulling one back for Inter.
Eder replaced Ever Banega – who had been struggling with an injury – for Inter at the start of the second half.
But that change did little to alter to Inter's fortunes as Napoli made it 3-0 six minutes after the restart.
Faouzi Ghoulam saw a curling effort turned over by Handanovic, yet hewas helpless as Insigne capitalised on the Inter goalkeeper's failure to successfully clear Ghoulam's inswinging coner by looping a snapshot volley into the bottom-right corner
Handanovic was called on again to Hamsik from close range after the Slovakian played a neat one-two with Insigne, and he continued to be the only thing stopping from the game from developing into a rout, thwarting Gabbiadini at the near post.
Not to outdone, Napoli keeper Reina produced a fine fingertip save to stop Antonio Candreva giving Inter a glimmer of hope.
Napoli evidently took their foot off the gas in the closing stages, but there is no time to relax for Pioli, who has plenty to think about with Inter remaining eight points adrift of the Champions League places.
Key Opta Facts:
- Napoli scored three goals for the first time since 17 September against Bologna in Serie A (10 games).
- Inter have conceded five goals in the first 15 minutes in this Serie A, joint-worst in the division.
- Zielinski's goal was the fastest for Napoli in Serie A since November 2015 (Gonzalo Higuain, 64 seconds - against Inter).
- Marek Hamsik has now scored 104 goals with Napoli (all competitions), equalling Edinson Cavani.
news_articleFri, 02 Dec 2016 21:44:08 +0000Anonymous658569 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comFourFourTwo’s Best 100 Football Players in the World 2016: No.15 – Gonzalo HiguainHuw Davies examines the Argentina internationals record-breaking yearHuw Davieshttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/fourfourtwos-best-100-football-players-world-2016-no15-gonzalo-higuain
It says much about modern football that Juventus paid £75 million for a striker turning 29 in the knowledge they’d probably get two good years out of him. It says much about Gonzalo Higuain that they probably made the right call.
There’s a reason Higuain has risen 48 places in the FFT100. In 2015/16 he broke Serie A’s post-war Capocannoniere record (and equalled the all-time record) by scoring 36 league goals for runners-up Napoli. That’s 36, with his nearest rival netting 19. Indeed, since 1959 only one person, Luca Toni, had even reached 30 in a season, and Italian football has seen some pretty decent forwards in the past six decades. Higuain topped the lot.
On April 3, it looked hopeless. Napoli’s trip to Udinese appeared simple enough – their opponents were embroiled in a relegation battle and had scored three fewer goals in the season than Higuain on his own – but with thePartenopei trailing 3-1 despite the Argentine’s rocket from 20 yards, two pointless bookings for off-the-ball incidents condemned Higuain to a three-match ban. Six goals required from seven games became six from four. Then, when Napoli lost 1-0 to Roma upon his return, six from three.
Against the odds
Higuain went into the final 45 minutes of the season, in the driving rain against Frosinone, still needing a second-half hat-trick. A neat first-time volley, and he grabbed the ball from the net. An even neater first-time volley 10 minutes later, and Napoli celebrated the post-war record being matched. And 10 minutes after that, a third volley – nay, an overhead kick from 20 yards, the ball looping over the goalkeeper as if illustrated in a children’s book – and the record was his.
After that ridiculous finale, Higuain’s summer brought drama of a different sort. Argentina breezed into the Copa America Centenario final, with Higuain scoring twice in the quarter-final and twice more in the semi, but for the second year running they lost to Chile on penalties.
A month later, Juventus threw down history’s third-biggest transfer fee for their title rivals’ star. Unlike Diego Maradona before him, Higuain would not be the Argentine driving force behind a Napoli Scudetto. It’s no surprise that receiving a £75m sum hasn’t placated the angry Napoli fans who feel betrayed. It’s no surprise, either, that with Higuain in Turin, Juventus are already four points clear in 2016/17’s Serie A, while Napoli are seventh.
European glory?
Higuain hasn’t been as explosive as he was last season – that would be impossible – but he has adapted to challenges at Juve moderately well. He’s no longer indispensable, despite that transfer fee; Massimiliano Allegri wasn’t afraid to drop Higuain in favour of Mario Mandzukic for “a physical game” against Inter, having apparently been binge-watching The Crystal Maze. Meanwhile, a thigh injury has meant training alone, and Napoli supporters’ fury has reportedly necessitated a 24-hour security escort. Even so, Higuain’s finding the net with some regularity.
Of course he’ll never match 2015/16. Higuain was simply relentless: he scored five braces in seven matches either side of Christmas, and his longest goal drought of the season lasted 200 minutes in February. This wasn’t flat-track bullying, either: that final-day treble was his only hat-trick all season – some feat for 36 goals across 35 matches – and he did not discriminate, scoring against 17 of the league’s 19 other teams.
A Scudetto with Juventus this season looks guaranteed. The real ask: ending their 20-year wait for a Champions League title. Challenge accepted.
The list
100-91•90-81•80-71•70-61•60-51•50-41•40-31•30-26•25•24•23•22•21•20•19•18•17•16•15•14•13•12•11•10•9•8•7•6•5•4•3•2•1
FourFourTwo’s Best 100 Football Players in the World 2016
featureThu, 01 Dec 2016 15:33:28 +0000Gregor MacGregor656784 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comPioli not entertaining Messi to Inter possibilityInter were this week "dreaming" of signing Lionel Messi, but Stefano Pioli is keen for a more realistic approach on the Barcelona star.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/pioli-not-entertaining-messi-inter-possibility
Stefano Pioli is not entertaining suggestions that Inter could launch an audacious bid for Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.
Messi has always maintained he will return to Newell's Old Boys in Argentina when his trophy-laden career with LaLiga giants Barca eventually comes to an end.
However, there have been murmurings in some quarters that his future at Camp Nou is unclear due to a reported impasse in contract negotiations.
Marco Tronchetti Provera, the chairman of Inter's chief sponsor Pirelli, stated earlier this week that the Nerazzurri are "dreaming" of signing Messi.
But head coach Pioli was staying firmly in the realms of reality when asked about the topic at a pre-match news conference ahead of Friday's trip to Napoli.
"It's good to dream but it can also be dangerous," he said.
"I have no need or time to think about anything outside of our club.
#Pioli: "#Messi? It's good to dream but it can also be dangerous. We need to stay focused on our work" #NapoliInter
— F.C. Internazionale (@Inter_en) December 1, 2016
"We just need to stay focused on our work and on our upcoming games. We need to concentrate on our day-to-day work."
Pioli, who replaced Frank de Boer in the Inter hotseat last month, says plans will start to form ahead of the January transfer window soon, though.
"My thoughts on the January transfer window aren't the be all and end all," he added.
"We'll have more meetings in the coming weeks to prepare ourselves for the window."
Inter have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks and defeated Fiorentina 4-2 at San Siro on Monday.
Napoli are one place and four points above Inter in seventh and Pioli called on his side to maintain their momentum at Stadio San Paolo.
"We need more results to make sure our confidence keeps growing," he said. "Right now, we need to be focused on the match.
"It's an important game for both sides, but it's not last-chance saloon. I don't think Napoli are in trouble, they're a great side and they play good football.
"We know what to expect but we're prepared well and we'll go out there to win."
news_articleThu, 01 Dec 2016 10:51:29 +0000Anonymous657923 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comFourFourTwo’s Best 100 Football Players in the World 2016: 90-81Part two of our countdown of the worlds top playershttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/fourfourtwos-best-100-football-players-world-2016-90-81
Featuring two top U21s and a brilliant Evertonian…
Words:Huw Davies,Joe Brewin, Simon Harrison,Harriet Drudge, Andy Murray, Seb Stafford-Bloor, Gregor MacGregor, Ben Clark, Andrew Gibney.
90. Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku divides opinion – to some he’s a fine all-round striker who deserves his upward move away from Everton; to others he’s far from the finished article who should stay grounded for his own good.
But of course he’s not the finished article – the Belgian's still only 23, for crying out loud. That's easily forgotten given that Lukaku started his first-team career as a 16-year-old with Anderlecht and has remained firmly in the public consciousness ever since with high-profile and (mostly successful) stints at Chelsea, West Brom and Everton.
The facts, then: he’s one of only five players to score 50 Premier League goals before his 23rd birthday; plus, he boasts a goals-per-game record virtually in line with Robbie Fowler, Les Ferdinand and Didier Drogba, and significantly better than the likes of Dwight Yorke, Nicolas Anelka and Kevin Phillips.
Euro 2016 was disappointing by his standards, even after a very quiet end to 2015/16 with Everton, but life is good again under Ronald Koeman in 2016/17: after 10 games of the new campaign he’d already plundered seven goals. “His potential is greater and higher than Everton as a final destination," said his own manager in November. But where from here? –JB
89. Kalidou Koulibaly
After an unimpressive debut season in Naples, the arrival of new manager Maurizio Sarri seemed to spell bad news for Senegal's boisterous centre-back. With Napoli bemoaning their worst defensive record since 1997/98 (a season when they finished bottom), Koulibaly was shelled with criticism.
However, the incoming boss dismissed suggestions he would be looking for defensive reinforcements. Over the next nine months Napoli produced one of their finest seasons in recent memory, with Koulibaly hugely influential in a backline that conceded just 32 goals –their best defending since last winning the league in 1990.
A turbulent summer featuring non-stop transfer talk of a £50m move to the Premier League has unfortunately been followed by a stalled start to the season by both Napoli and Koulibaly, while Sarri admitted during pre-season that his leading defender was still prone to "dumb errors". Far from the finished product, the 25-year-old has signed a new five-year contract, though, and there's no doubting his place in the Partenopei's foreseeable future. –BC
88. Adrien Rabiot
If coming on against Real Madrid in the Champions League last year was Rabiot’s coming-out party, the curly-haired midfielder has since been strutting around and showing everyone why he's so highly rated in 2016.
The young left-footer has excelled first for Laurent Blanc and now under Unai Emery, keeping summer signing Grzegorz Krychowiak out of the side for long periods. Rabiot’s long legs make his an able body in defensive situations, while he reads the game well and spreads play with an excellent passing range.
Despite having Blaise Matuidi, Marco Verratti and Thiago Motta as midfield options, it’s Rabiot who's impressed most this season, earning his first full France cap in the process. He has everything you'd want in a modern midfielder, and it won’t be long until he’s the player PSG are building their team around. –AG
87. Filipe Luis
Of all the crimes committed by Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, spending £15.8m on Atletico Madrid defender Filipe Luis in the summer of 2014, then giving him seven league starts (two of which came after the Premier League title had been secured) will always feature towards the top of the misdemeanours.
A contender for the best left-back in the world at the time, the Brazilian has been reinvigorated by a return to the Vicente Calderon. A near ever-present as los Colchoneros reached a second Champions League final in three seasons – and featuring in both – the 31-year-old is everything a modern full-back should be: strong in the tackle, defensively astute and excellent going forward.
Luis’s partnership down Atleti’s left with the rapidly improving Yannick Carrasco is vital to coach Diego Simeone’s counter-attacking strategy and will go a long way to securing silverware in the club’s last season at the Calderon. –AM
Next: The striker who just needed minutes86. Santi Cazorla
"Have you seen Santi Cazorla? You think I'm small? He's up to here on me and he's brilliant."
Xavi Hernandez, as quoted by Sid Lowe in a 2012 Guardian article.
The relevance is that, like the Barcelona icon, traditional thinking suggests Cazorla should be too small to operate in central midfield. He's slender and slight, technical and creative. He was all of those things in 2016, but most often – and unexpectedly –from deep. The arrival of Mesut Ozil and then Alexis Sanchez seemed to signify the end of his Arsenal career, but Cazorla has instead been repurposed as a line-breaking deep-lying playmaker and recommissioned by Arsene Wenger to guard the side's temperament and direct its attacking focus.
In spite of all the logical caveats, it turns out he was just the right size for that hole. Arsenal have recently found a rhythmic balance that they haven't had for many years, with Cazorla’s broad and brilliant skill set helping them to strike those key notes. –SSB
85. Andrea Barzagli
Every year Andrea Barzagli is written off, and every year he patiently proves everyone wrong. The 35-year-old sees pretenders arrive to take his place in the Juventus backline and swats them away like flies; with his contract extended once again, we can expect that to continue in the next 12 months.
It’s easy to dismiss Barzagli as makeweight in the famous back three (with Gianluigi Buffon behind them) that comprise Juventus and Italy’s defensive unit. It’s easy, but it’s wrong. While the prestige went to Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, Barzagli was arguably the best – certainly the most consistent – defender in Serie A last season. His unsung good work continued in Italy’s impressive Euro 2016 showing under his old Bianconeri boss, Antonio Conte.
In January 2011, a 7th-placed Juventus paid £300,000 for Barzagli’s services. Since that season, they’ve won five consecutive Scudetti. The two facts aren’t totally unrelated. –H. Davies
84. Javier Hernandez
Now in his second season in Germany, Javier Hernandez’s goalscoring record is the envy of strikers across Europe, having notched 33 times in 58 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen.
His goalscoring pedigree is no surprise; he's Mexico's second-highest goalscorer of all time and, despite leaving Manchester United in September 2014 (initially on loan to Real Madrid), his goals-per-minute ratio remains fourth-best in the Premier League behind Sergio Aguero, Thierry Henry and Ruud van Nistelrooy.
An impressive debut season was followed by an explosive start to 2016/17, with seven goals in his first eight appearances. They may have dried up of late – his last came in the 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund at the beginning of October – but the Mexican may well earn himself another big-money move if he continues on his current trajectory.
Bayer will do their best to cling on to the player they label as their “life insurance”, though, such has been the 28-year-old's effectin North Rhine-Westphaliasince his surprise arrival in 2015. –H. Drudge
Next: The Premier League record-breaker83. Keylor Navas
Real Madrid kept 14 clean sheets in 38 La Liga games last season, conceding just 34 times in a campaign where Keylor Navas made 34 appearances. An Achilles problem ruled the Costa Rica international out of the Copa America Centenario and pre-season, but the ex-Levante goalkeeper has been able to quicklysupersede Kiko Casilla once again.
More recently, Navas has been ever-present for Costa Rica and kept three clean sheets in World Cup qualifying clashes with Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States, with his razor-sharp reflexes and strong wrists earning him widespread respect between the sticks.
Quick off his line in one-on-one situations, the armspan of Navas continues to tip the odds of victory further in the favour of Real Madrid and his national side. –SH
82. Jamie Vardy
Forget about the difficult start to 2016/17 for a minute –Vardy was virtually unstoppable last season as Leicester romped to the Premier League title (and romp they did, by a barely believable 10 points), finishing the season with 24 goals and the top flight’s player of the year gong.
There weren’t many feelings at the King Power Stadium quite like the one when Vardy was bearing down on goal having left a defender in his wake. It was almost one of relief: Leicester fans simply knew he’d score.
As well as breaking Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Premier League record for goals in consecutive games – 11 over a three-month spell from late August to November – Vardy was crucial in the post-New Year run-in. There was that volley against Liverpool which cracked open a tight game; then, in the home stretch, he netted both goals in a nervy 2-0 win at Sunderland and opened the scoring against West Ham.
It was also the year in which he established himself as an England squad regular, scoring in consecutive internationals against Germany, Holland and Turkey before grabbing another at Euro 2016. Then he turned down Arsenal – one chapter that won’t be written in this rags-to-riches tale. –JB
81. Hugo Lloris
The France and Tottenham captain has had an excellent 12 months, propelling both club and country to near honours. Spurs' title tilt was built on the joint-best defensive record in the division, before France were narrowly beaten by Portugal in the final of Euro 2016.
Still, a nomination for the Ballon d’Or isn’t a bad runner-up prize for the custodian who's yet again helping to solidify his club side's backline. Just forget Tottenham's European jaunts.
Although the Champions League sojourn has been a wasted campaign for Mauricio Pochettino’s men, Lloris emerges with credit – witness his wonder saves against Bayer Leverkusen and someoutrageous reactions to thwart Kamil Glik and Monaco on matchday five. The next step for the 29-year-old is leading his team to a major trophy. –GM
The list
100-91•90-81•80-71•70-61•60-51•50-41•40-31•30-26•25•24•23•22•21•20•19•18•17•16•15•14•13•12•11•10•9•8•7•6•5•4•3•2•1
FourFourTwo’s Best 100 Football Players in the World 2016
featureMon, 28 Nov 2016 16:26:30 +0000Gregor MacGregor656263 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comNapoli affected by Benfica collapse - SarriHaving been held at home by Dynamo Kiev, Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri blamed his side's disappointing performance on Benfica's earlier draw.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/napoli-affected-benfica-collapse-sarri
Maurizio Sarri believes his Napoli side were "negatively affected" by Benfica's draw at Besiktas as they also slipped up and were held by Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League.
The Serie A side would have progressed to the knockout stages had they and Group B rivals Benfica both won on Wednesday, but the Portuguese outfit blew a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 before the later game kicked off at San Paolo.
And after seeing his Napoli team booed by their supporters at the end of a goalless stalemate, Sarri admitted that the group's other result was to blame as no result could guarantee qualification.
"We went out for the warm-up with Benfica winning 3-1, and then the news came that it was 3-3," he told Mediaset Premium.
"The boys realised that a win or a draw would not give us anything more. This has negatively affected us.
"Up to a quarter of an hour from the beginning [of the match], there was great desire to win. It is difficult not to be influenced by anything."
Benfica top Group B ahead of their final game against Napoli, who are level on points with eight apiece.
news_articleWed, 23 Nov 2016 22:55:20 +0000Anonymous654914 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comRebrov regrets Dynamo performance in Champions League exitAfter crashing out of the Champions League at Napoli, Serhiy Rebrov admitted his disappointment at Dynamo Kiev's performance.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/rebrov-regrets-dynamo-performance-champions-league-exit
Serhiy Rebrov regretted how his Dynamo Kiev side performed at Napoli as they crashed out of the Champions League, although he was pleased to earn a goalless draw.
Napoli were the better side throughout the clash at Stadio San Paolo on Wednesday, but Dynamo defended doggedly and held on for a point.
While that was not enough to keep Rebrov's men in the competition, he took encouragement from the result - even if the performance was not as he hoped.
"We had problems with the early passages of play, as we wanted to impose our football, but the Napoli tempo was very high," Rebrov told a post-match news conference. "We tried and failed to control the tempo.
"I have regrets about the way we played, as we wanted to win here and my lads did try.
"Napoli deserve to be much higher up the Serie A table than sixth.
"Their players have the movements down to a tee and we are therefore satisfied to have played on a par with them."
Dynamo can no longer drop into the Europa League either, and must now turn their attentions to domestic action where they trail Shakhtar Donetsk by eight points in the Ukrainian Premier League.
news_articleWed, 23 Nov 2016 22:44:03 +0000Anonymous654929 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comNapoli 0 Dynamo Kiev 0: Hosts stutter as visitors crash outWhile Dynamo Kiev crashed out of the Champions League with a draw, Napoli's failure to beat the Ukrainians could prove costly.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/napoli-0-dynamo-kiev-0-hosts-stutter-visitors-crash-out
Napoli played out a toothless goalless draw with Dynamo Kiev, who were knocked out of the Champions League as a result of Wednesday's stalemate at Stadio San Paolo.
Besiktas' stunning fightback in a 3-3 draw against Benfica earlier on Wednesday meant that Napoli could not have progressed from Group B before the final round of pool matches even with a win.
However, Maurizio Sarri's men will still feel they missed a chance to pick up a big three points on their own turf.
Napoli dominated possession, but struggled to create clear openings as Yevhen Khacheridi and Domagoj Vida marshalled a speedy front-line superbly.
Dynamo goalkeeper Artur Rudko also weighed in with the occasional save, but a lack of attacking threat at the other meant they failed to keep their already slip hopes of reaching the last 16 alive.
Napoli, who have won just three of their last 10 in all competitions, now head into their final group game with everything to play for, knowing a point at Benfica will be enough to progress but only a victory will guarantee first place.
The home side made a promising start and a crucial challenge from Rudko denied Dries Mertens a shot at an open goal, before the Ukrainian blocked Jose Callejon's stab.
Lorenzo Insigne then stumbled as he bore down on goal and Marek Hamsik struck straight at Rudko from 20 yards, with Dynamo offering little in response.
The hosts' momentum slowed as the first half wore on, but they came again after the break and Hamsik nodded Callejon's cross just beyond the far post.
Insigne hit a curled effort that was gathered by Rudko at the second attempt, while some brave defending from the away side provided a platform for Serhiy Sydorchuk to lash over at the other end.
Still Napoli came forward, though, and Rudko again held from Insigne, before diving to his right to parry Hamsik's drive.
Substitute Manolo Gabbiadini's effort from the edge of the box flew wide of the post and Rudko then beat away an attempt from the same man in a similar position.
As Napoli continued to rely on shots from distance in the hunt for an opener, Mertens became the latest man to push an effort past the post.
Kalidou Koulibaly also headed over, but the hosts' desperate attempts counted for little and they face a crucial trip to Lisbon on matchday six.
news_articleWed, 23 Nov 2016 21:38:31 +0000Anonymous654883 at http://www.fourfourtwo.com